"Getting a blood test in East London"

I take anti-inflammatories for an intestinal condition; a side-effect of the medication is ulceration.

On a recent visit to my specialist at St Marks, Harrow, we discussed the ulceration and the occasional bleeding I experience. I was advised to have my GP carry out a blood test when I next experienced a bleeding ulcer, with the importance on it happening as soon as possible.

Shortly afterwards, such an event occurred. Whilst my GP was extremely helpful (Globe Town Surgery, London E2) in arranging the blood test paperwork over the phone, when I turned up at the surgery to collect the paperwork (and feeling light headed due to the bleeding ulcer) I found that the surgery had no free appointments for taking blood for two weeks (!) and that the hospitals in the local region of East London were not available to take blood on this one day of the week due to clinic loading of phlebotomy services!

I wandered into my local hospital regardless and was fortunate in walking into an empty blood clinic. They were able to oblige by taking my sample that day.

When I went back to the GPs to get the results, I spoke with them about the problem of getting a test done on days when the hospitals were busy with clinics and they've agreed to look into booking in some emergency blood tests slots on the days when the hospitals are busy.

Good for them! Thanks to the phlebotomist at the London Chest Hospital and the GP at the surgery.